O Leave Novels (Poem by Robert Burns)

O Leave Novels (1)

By Robert Burns

O leave novels, ye Mauchline belles,

    Ye’re safer at your spinning-wheel;

Such witching books are baited hooks

    For rakish rooks, like Rob Mossgiel.

O Leave Novels (2)

Your fine Tom Jones and Grandisons,

    They make your youthful fancies reel;

They heat your brains, and fire your veins,

    And then you’re prey for Rob Mossgiel.

O Leave Novels (3)

Beware a tongue that’s smoothly hung,

    A heart that warmly seems to feel;

That feeling heart but acts a part — 

    ’Tis rakish art in Rob Mossgiel.

O Leave Novels (4)

The frank address, the soft caress,

    Are worse than poison’d darts of steel;

The frank address and politesse

    Are all finesse in Rob Mossgiel.